Radiohead, the Environment, and a Review of Liars

I was interested in finding out more about the band that opened for Radiohead in Houston this month. They were entertaining and good, but during the show there was no mention of who they were. To be honest, at times they were unimpressive because their songs didn’t feel developed, but rather repetitive. Their strengths, on the other hand, included two drum sets for two great drummers, and a great front man in Angus Andrew, with a chameleon voice that ranges from the almost pubescent-sounding and at once urgent and cool style of Blur’s Damon Albarn, to the dark, rich, but deadpan style of say Joy Division’s Ian Curtis or Interpol’s Paul Banks. Andrew was also not a bad dancer. Like I said, they were interesting (hey, if they’re good enough for Radiohead…), and I was intrigued that I couldn’t figure out who they were. So, I found out. They are called Liars.

I went to their website and found this fantastic commentary on their experience with Radiohead.

I knew from Thom Yorke’s solo album, The Eraser, and from what little I know about him in general, that he is concerned for the environment and governments’ lack of action over the matter. So, it really reaffirmed my admiration of Radiohead to read that they are taking action themselves, that they are “purveyors of truth, beauty and a moral responsibility to the planet.”

I too am continuing to reduce my waste or “footprint” as it is so commonly called. And I have found not so much an inconvenience, but a great relief and freedom. No one can force me to contribute to the frighteningly humongous dumps of the world.

An ultra-busy and enormously famous group might have a great big excuse not to make an effort like this, but I believe that what such a group, with their world-wide tours and blindingly wonderful productions, actually has is a big impact on the environment, and therefore, an equally large responsibility. I’m really glad to hear Radiohead takes on their responsibility so nobly. And I’m grateful to the Liars for their eloquent commentary on this subject.